secretary-general
UK: /ˌsek.rə.tər.i ˈdʒen.ər.əl/ | US: /ˌsek.rə.ter.i ˈdʒen.ər.əl/
n. the chief administrative officer of an organization, especially a political or international body.
The term combines "secretary," derived from Latin secretarius (confidential officer, from secretum "secret"), with "general," from Latin generalis (pertaining to all, universal). Historically, "secretary" denoted a trusted record-keeper, while "general" broadened the role to signify leadership across an entire organization. The hyphenated form emerged in the 19th–20th centuries to describe high-ranking officials in diplomatic or institutional contexts (e.g., UN Secretary-General), emphasizing both administrative duty and overarching authority.
The secretary-general of the United Nations addressed the assembly on climate change.
She was elected secretary-general of the international trade union.
The NGO's secretary-general oversees all operational and strategic decisions.
His term as secretary-general expires next year.
The secretary-general issued a statement condemning the violence.